Beneath the Mask - 21. Chapter 21

Alex looked at Jacob and Al as they walked through their house. He looked out the front door to see where they are going. To his surprise he saw them walking up to the house next door. Al unlocked the door and he and Jacob walked in. Alex closed the front door and sat down on the couch.

“What’s up Alex? You look very worried about something. I know there has been something bothering you since lunch time. I have been meaning to touch base with you about it, but I wanted to do it at the right time.” Matt sat down next to Alex on the couch.

“I feel very bad about something I found out today. You remember when I told the group at the center that Jacob got the school district to donate the printing machines.” Matt nodded his head in the positive grabbing Alex’s hand. “Well Jacob didn’t tell us the truth on that. I now feel really bad that he didn’t.”

“Wait a minute Alex, what do you mean that he didn’t tell us the truth on that. He told us that the machines were donated and they arrived when he said they would. As far as I can see, Jacob didn’t lie to us in anyway.”

“Matt he bought the machines; he paid them with his own money. Then he donated them to us, not the school district.” Matt let go of Alex’s hand as he fell against the couch. “Now the new director doesn’t want the machines anymore and is asking Jacob to take them back. What is he going to do with those huge machines? Also he is in hot water at school because the center is no longer going to run a print shop.”

Matt leaned back forward and looked in Alex’s eyes. “You can’t blame yourself for this. None of this is your fault and you know that. Just like you, after hearing this, I feel really bad that Jacob is now stuck with these machines, but he’s smart. He will sell them and get his money back on that purchase if not more.”

Before Alex could comment on what Matt said, he heard knocking at the back door. He got up and dragged himself to check who is knocking now. Looking through window of the door, Chase and the gang are standing on the back porch. Alex opened the door and invited them in. He can’t remember if they have been in this house since he moved home.

“We are hearing rumors that Jacob bought the house next door for the wicked witch of the west. Please tell us anything you know Alex. Is that true?” Chase spoke as he walked over to the front door.

“I don’t know anything about that. He and his grandfather walked through here about ten minutes ago, give or take. I know they went to the house next door. I didn’t even know that the house was empty to tell you the truth.”

“We keep forgetting you have only been here for a couple of weeks. Several houses on this block are empty. If Jacob and Al want to buy out the entire block they can, but I don’t think they will. I keep telling Chase and my boyfriend Tom here that there is no way Jacob is going to move his mother so close to him.”

Matt leaned over the couch to get into the conversation. “If Jacob did buy the house and wants his mother to move there. There has to be logical explanation why. You guys know Jacob a lot better than Alex and me. Think about it and you will come up with the answer all by yourselves, trust me!”

Everyone looked at Matt and then the floor or the wall. “Let’s not jump to conclusions here. What we need to do is go over and pop our heads in and see what the house looks like. If Jacob is going to ask his mother to move into this house, like Matt said, there is a logical explanation why he wants to do that.”

For being only thirteen, Toni is living up to his intelligence. All at once everyone tried to walk through Alex’s front door. As they squeezed out, they walked over to house next door. They didn’t even knock hard; Chase tapped and just opened the door. He popped his head in first before he completely walked in.

Once everyone walked in, Jacob and his grandfather walked in from the back. They looked at the guys and walked back to where they were. Alex and Matt separated from the group and just walked around the house. They just walked from room to room looking at the little differences between this house and theirs.

The floor plan is basically the same as their house, Alex and Matt made their way to the kitchen. Alex noticed that everything in the kitchen looks pretty new compared to his mother’s. Alex made his way to the backyard, followed by Matt. As they walked out of the house, they noticed Jacob and Al talking. They quickly turned around and tried to walk in before they were noticed, but they didn’t make it. Jacob called them over to him.

Alex turned around thinking whatever they want to talk with him about can’t be good news. Maybe Al was okay with them visiting, but not staying. Al probably talked with Jacob and talked Jacob into asking them to leave. He just kept thinking that there can’t be anything good that can come out of this conversation.

Matt walked behind Alex, but noticed that Alex doesn’t feel comfortable. The way he is walking is telling the entire story. Once Jacob started talking and letting Alex know why he wanted to speak with him, Matt noticed Alex relaxing just a little bit.

At first Matt didn’t understand the subject, but then he heard Jacob mention the printing machines and the center. At that point Matt walked up even closer to Alex to give him support since this is the subject that has been bothering Alex since he was told about it earlier in the afternoon.

Once Jacob explained his plans for the print shop, Alex tried to politely say ‘no’. Jacob won’t take ‘no’ for an answer from Alex. Matt stood there listening and when Alex turned to him. Matt couldn’t help but feel for his boyfriend. Tears are rolling down his face, causing Matt to tear up.

Matt grabbed a hold of Alex’s hand when he stepped back and presented it to him. Alex then surprised Matt even more. Matt can’t believe his ears. Alex is telling Jacob he will accept if he can put Matt as part owner of his half. Matt tried to pull Alex back, but Alex continued talking. All that Matt can think is that this might hurt Alex if he puts demands on something that is being given to him.

Once again, Matt grabbed a hold of Alex and pulled him back so they can talk. “Alex don’t do this, please don’t do this! Take the whole thing just the way they are presenting it to you. I don’t need my name on any paperwork letting me know that I have half of what you have. I only want you Alex and I know you will help me whenever I need help.”

Alex leaned down and kissed Matt on his lips as he started whispering. “We are partners for life Matt. What I own you own and nothing will stop me from doing this. You helped me see the light while we were locked up. No amount of money or property will ever be able to repay that debt. Please, let me do this Matt, I love you so much!”

Matt nodded his head in agreement. Jacob seemed pleased and told Alex so. He offered Alex an attorney to look over the contract before it gets signed, but Alex politely declined. Jacob then let Alex know that the contract will be ready to sign around midweek.

Once everyone agreed, Alex pulled Matt as he walked to shake Jacob’s and Al’s hands. Matt, out of respect, did the same thing. After thanking them, Alex and Matt walked over to the wall the separated the two yards and jumped it. As soon as they got over the wall, Alex and Matt ran back into the house.

Alex couldn’t believe what Jacob is doing for him. He wants to go to the highest mountain and just yell. No one, not even his father, has ever done something like this for Alex, without expecting something in return. That is what has Alex all excited.

Alex finally settled down enough to sit down at the kitchen table. Matt joined him and they started talking about how they want to run the print shop. Just as they started to outline their plans, Franseca, Lorenzo and Ismail walked into the house.

“Where have you two been? Lorenzo and Ismail came down here to get you guys to play video games and they came back saying that you guys weren’t here. I looked around Jacob’s house thinking you two were there, but no one is around. Where were you two and where in the world is everyone else at? You really had me worried Alex!”

Alex stood up and asked his mother to sit down as he pulled a chair out for her. As Franseca sat down, she can’t stop herself from worrying. Alex related to his mother, word for word, what he and Jacob just talked about. As Alex told Franseca and his two little brothers, Franseca couldn’t believe what Alex is telling her.

Several times Franseca interrupted Alex and told him not to take the offer. Alex explained to his mother that he tried to tell Jacob ‘no’, but Jacob wouldn’t take no for an answer. Finally, Alex said he folded and accepted the offer. Franseca just looked at her son trying to figure out what to say next to him.

“Alex this is a big responsibility you are taking on. Are you sure you two can handle this? What I mean by that is just you guys barely got your freedom back. On top of that, you are starting a new school, a probation officer that seems to want you to mess up and you Alex fighting to stay free from the gang. I just worried that if you take too much on right now, that you might stumble. I don’t want to loose you once I got you back again.”

“Mom I know that you are worried and I am too. I can’t say that I am not going to stumble along the way. I hope I don’t. Because of you, my brothers and Matt here, I am going to fight to stay out of trouble. I am going to fight to stay with my family. Most importantly I am going to show everyone that I am not my father’s son, I am YOUR son, mom. I have all your goodness inside of me and that is how I am going to live and survive.”

Franseca started to cry as Alex talked. Alex grabbed a hold of his mother and just held her. No one in the kitchen said a word. They just sat there together as a family. Matt sees that there is nothing that is going to drag Alex back to his old life. He sees that Alex is going to fight to be here with him and his family.

Alex let go of his mother just as the front door opened. Franseca went outside when Lorenzo and Ismail got out of their seats and waited for Jacob to walk to them. Once Jacob walked into the kitchen, Lorenzo and Ismail ran up to Jacob and grabbed a hold of him. They kept saying thank you to Jacob. When they let go of Jacob, Franseca walked in the back door.

“Franseca, we are sorry for tracking through your house. We used your house to get to the other house quickly.”

“Don’t you worry about that Jacob. This is your house, we only live in it. Thank you for doing what you are doing for my son once again. You have been a Heaven sent and my family and I will never forget it.”

Before Jacob could say anything, Franseca hugged him. Alex noticed that Jacob has a funny look on his face. Not a disgusted look, but a look of surprise at first and quickly changed to comfort. Alex couldn’t help but wonder what is going through Jacob’s mind as his mother is hugging him.

Franseca told Lorenzo and Ismail to go back and play their video games. She turned and kissed Alex on the forehead before leaving. Alex got up and followed her to Jacob’s house to make sure she is okay. They walked in the kitchen talking about school and that Alex needs to at least pass his classes this time. Alex promised Franseca that he is going to do more than just pass his classes.

Alex helped his mother clean the kitchen, like he has done every night since he came home. Franseca had to kick Alex out of the kitchen so he could do his homework. Before he left, Dewayne came down to get something for Jacob to eat. He overheard his mother talking with Dewayne.

As soon as Dewayne left, Alex followed him. He walked into Jeremy’s room to let Dewayne give Jacob his snack. Alex looked over to see Jeremy on the floor of his room drawing. He walked over and sat down next to him. Alex just looked at what Jeremy is doing when Jeremy looked up and looked straight into Alex’s eyes.

Alex almost fell on his back as Jeremy looked at him. He couldn’t believe how much Jeremy looks like Jacob. If no one told him that these two or almost three years apart, he would have thought they were twins. The only difference between the two is Jeremy has kid’s eyes that reveal a soul undamaged from the world! When you look at Jacob’s eyes, you see a person that has been beaten up by life; a soul a lot older than what it should be!

Alex got up, reached out to shake Jeremy’s hand. Jeremy actually shook Alex’s hand when he presented it. Alex smiled at Jeremy and walked out of his room. He walked over to Jacob’s, knocked on the door and walked in. Jacob turned to see who just walked in.

“Hey Jacob, sorry for bothering, but I heard you are doing history homework. I like history and maybe I can help you with your homework. I learned a way to learn every date with a little trick. Maybe the trick I use might be able to help you. It couldn’t hurt to give it a shot.” Alex closed the door and stood there.

Jacob invited him in. He walked over to the desk and sat down. He showed Jacob the trick that he uses to learn dates. Little by little Jacob picked it up. By the time he finished his history homework, Jacob had it. Jacob thanked Alex for his help and explained to him that he might have flunk or barely passed history. Now with this trick, Jacob feels that he will more than just pass the class!

They stood talking awhile longer. Nothing really important was discussed between them, but they enjoyed talking. Alex looked up at the clock on Jacob’s nightstand. He jumped up from the bed and said his goodbyes.

Alex found Matt watching television when he walked into the living room. He didn’t want to disturb Matt so Alex walked over to the couch and sat down. He placed his head on Matt’s leg as he turned to watch TV with him. Matt didn’t even take his eyes off of the television; he just started running his fingers through Alex’s hair.

Alex started to doze off when he heard Ismail calling him. Alex opened his eyes to find Ismail right in his face. He thought by the sound of Ismail voice that he was on the other side of the room, not kneeling in front of him.

“What is going on little bro? Don’t you think it is a little late for you to be up? We all have school tomorrow and need to get to bed.”

“I know Alex, but I was wondering if you could help me get something from my closet. I need it for school tomorrow.”

Alex got up from the couch without saying another word. Ismail started to walk in front of Alex when Alex picked him up and threw Ismail on his shoulders. Ismail pretended to be riding a horse all the way to his room and Alex played along. As soon as they got in Ismail’s room, Alex sat on the floor in order for Ismail to get off of his shoulders.

“So what is it that you need me to get down for you little man?” Alex walked over to Ismail closet and opened the door.

“Alex please don’t be mad with me, but I lied to you. I don’t need anything from my closet. I want to talk to you in private and I thought the only way I could do that is to lie. Please Alex don’t be mad with me!”

Alex turned and smiled at his little brother. He closed the closet door as he walked door as he walked over to Ismail’s bed. As sat down and pulled his little brother to his side. Not needing to say a word to him, Ismail knew that Alex isn’t angry.

“I know that you and Matt are in love with each other, but kids at my school are making fun of you. They say it is wrong and their moms and dads won’t let them play with me because you guys might do something to them. I don’t understand what is going on Alex. I know you will never do anything to my friends, so what are they talking about?”

“Little bro, many times people are afraid of things they don’t understand. Everyone is told since they are little kids that it is wrong that two men love each other the way Matt and I do. Because of that teaching, they think the worst of me and Matt.

You know me little bro and you know that I will not bring anyone into our lives that would hurt you or your friends. You are getting to know Matt more and more every day. You can see what your friends parents are saying is wrong. They shouldn’t be saying that, but I do understand why they are. They are afraid like I said.”

“I don’t understand Alex when you say they are afraid. What are they afraid of? They don’t even know you and Matt. So how can they say that you guys are bad people when they don’t even know you or Matt?”

“Because they THINK we are bad. The best way I think I can explain what I am trying to say to you is they are blinded. They are blinded from being taught stupid things from their parents. So what they got taught as kids they are teaching their kids who are your friends. They shouldn’t do that, but they do.

They don’t know me or Matt and more than likely anyone like me and Matt. They think we are bad so they don’t even give us a chance to show them differently. I am very sorry what I am, is hurting you at school. I never meant for that to happen.

Your friends will come around. If they like you, they will realize that, no matter what your brother does, they want you still as a friend. Just give it time and they will come around. I know you are confused right now but when you get older you will understand it more. You know I love you and I will do anything to protect you?”

Ismail looked up at his brother. “I know that Alex and I love you too. The next time anyone talks bad about you I decided I am going to beat them up. They don’t want to mess with me because I can beat them up.” Ismail started to punch the air.

“Ismail one thing I want you to learn from me is this: Violence doesn’t solve anything. In fact it makes it a lot worse. I want you to solve your problems not by fighting, but by talking. If the other person doesn’t want to talk, walk away. You will be the better person for doing that.” Alex lifted up Ismail’s face to look at him.

“You need to understand and promise me that you will not fight. You don’t want you to end up where I have been. It is not a place for you or anyone. You are a lot smarter than me. Because of that, you will go places in your life that I will never be able to go.”

Ismail promised Alex that he will not fight for any reason. They talked as Ismail got ready for bed. He crawled underneath his covers as Alex tucked him in. Once Alex finished tucking Ismail in, he knelt at the head of the bed.

“I love you little bro and I will always love you no matter what. Remember that you promised me that you will not fight if some one gets you angry. If it gets bad, come and tell me and mom. We will fix it for you. I want you to have a better childhood than I did. The only way that is going to happen is if you don’t do the same things I did.”

Alex kissed Ismail on the forehead as he got up. He walked over to the door and looked back at his little brother. Ismail laid there on the bed looking at Alex. Alex didn’t leave the room until he knew that Ismail had fallen asleep. Once he felt that he had, Alex turned off the light and left leaving a crack in the door in order for the light from the hallway to enter into Ismail’s room.

Alex took a quick shower before going to his room. He noticed as he walked to his room that the lights are off. He opened the door to find Matt sound asleep. As Alex headed to bed, he tossed his dirty clothes in the laundry basket. As quietly and softly as possible, Alex crawled into bed. He didn’t want to disturb Matt.

The next morning, Alex and Matt overslept and ended up walking to school. As they joined the others in the cafeteria, the group ragged on them for oversleeping. Alex and Matt took the teasing like good sports. Just as they settled down and started talking, some kid handed Jacob a note. He got up and left the table.

“Hey Alex I really need to speak with you. It is urgent and we need to talk in private.” Alex looked over to Carlos trying to figure out what he needed to talk about.

Alex gave up trying to read Carlos face and got up. Carlos followed him into the hall outside the cafeteria. Alex stopped and looked around to make sure there’s no teachers or students around that might overhear them talking.

“What is so urgent that you needed to pull me away from the others?” Alex looked at Carlos showing his irritation at being asked to speak in private.

“My mom called me last night to let me know that members of our old gang came looking for me and you last night at the house. They wanted to know where we are. My mom told them that she didn’t know, but of course they didn’t believe her.”

“Carlos we knew this was going to happen. Your mom is going to get the brunt of the fallout until she moves from that side of town. When she does that, she needs to make sure that she isn’t being followed. I would suggest for her to rent the largest U-Haul to move her stuff. That way she doesn’t do more than one trip.”

“I really didn’t think they would bother my mom. I knew they would stake out my mom’s house to see if I am dumb enough to go there, but nothing more than that. She can’t be put into this position. It isn’t right.”

“Look Carlos I know where you are coming from. If she doesn’t have the money to rent the U-Haul, I will get it for her. But she can’t take several trips and think that she isn’t going to be followed. You know the gang is not dumb.

For now we are safe and walk around without a worry, but that won’t last for long. Eventually they are going to come looking for us. They will go school by school until they find out where we are. When that day happens, we need to be ready. Until then Carlos, let’s not worry unless we really have to.”

Carlos agreed with Alex before they headed back to join the others. Matt looked at Alex as he joined him at the table. The whole time that Alex was gone, he felt that there’s something wrong. Now the look on Alex’s face tells him that something is wrong. Matt decided to leave it for now. He will talk with Alex when they are at home.

As soon as the bell rang, Alex and Matt headed off to first period class. This being the only class they are actually sitting up front, Matt didn't have a chance to speak with Alex about what he saw this morning. He knows that Carlos told Alex something. And whatever it is really bothered Alex, because of the expression on his face.

In the class, Alex started acting like his normal self. As they headed to the next class Alex joked with Matt the entire way. At that point Matt decided to let it go. To this point, Alex has shown him that he will talk with him about everything eventually. He will just wait until Alex is ready to talk.

Matt and Alex still haven't gotten used to the school yet and on the way to the third period class they got lost once again. Alex actually joked with Matt about getting lost. He asked Matt to make sure not to let the others know. They would never let them hear the end of getting lost once again going to class.

Besides getting lost that one time, the rest of the day went by pretty fast for Alex and Matt. They had fun during lunch going with the guys to Taco Bell. The entire time Jacob would not keep his eyes off of Dewayne. Several times Dewayne would look back at Jacob and smiled at him. Everybody else at the table felt that Dewayne looking back and smiling at Jacob was adding fuel to the fire!

When they all got up to leave and Jacob didn’t exit out of the building. They all knew that Dewayne must've met him at the door before he left. Alex turned to Matt, and grabbed a hold of his hand. They all stood there by the truck waiting for Jacob. As soon as Jacob walked up to the truck, everyone, including Alex, teased him.

As soon as they got back to the school, Alex and Matt ran to their lockers, grabbed their books for the afternoon classes and ran to their fourth period class barely making it in the doors as the bell, rang, Alex and Matt sat down out of breath.

After roll call, Matt leaned over to Alex. “How are we going to get to the retirement home afterschool? We don’t have a car and I forgot to ask anyone for a ride.”

Alex looked straight ahead shrugging his shoulders. “Come on Alex, we need to go today. We didn’t go last week, or the week before that. If we don’t do our community service hours, they can send us back. I know that you don’t want to go back and I sure don’t want to go back.”

“Let me talk with Jacob or Tom for a ride. One of them will give us a ride and if not, we will take the bus. One way or another we will get down there today and put in some hours.” Alex looked at Mat and winked at him.

During ROTC class, Alex didn’t see Jacob anywhere. Before the bell rang, he saw Jacob walking to the office, but he didn’t come out to the parking with them. Alex still doesn’t understand the ranking system, but one thing he does know is that Jacob is high up there. Maybe that is why Jacob didn’t come down to the parking lot. He doesn’t form with them during the inspection.

Between fifth and sixth period, Alex ran into Tom in the hallway. He walked up to play a joke on him, but Tom heard him before he got close enough. Alex laughed at getting caught as he started walking down the hall with Tom.

“Hey Tom, I have a big favor to ask you.”

“What’s up man, ask away and I will see if I can do it.”

“I completely forgot that Matt and I have to go and do our community service hours today. We do them at this retirement home and I was wondering if I can hit you up for a ride. By the time we take the bus down there, we will have to turn right back around to get home on the bus. I know it is very short notice, but I forgot.”

“I have nothing planned for tonight except homework. No problem buddy, I will take you and Matt as soon as Jacob drops us at the house after school. I think David would want to go, is that okay with you?”

“I don’t see why not. I think the Colonel would enjoy having more young kids to talk to. You guys are going to really like the guy we keep company. He is telling us how it was growing up during the great depression. I am telling you, what you read in books or see on television isn’t near the truth. This guy lived it and isn’t afraid to talk about it.”

Alex and Tom quickly made plans, and then headed to their classes. As soon as Alex sat down, he explained to Matt what he talked with Tom about. Matt agreed with Alex that the Colonel would enjoy more visitors.

As soon as the last bell rang, Alex ran out to his locker to grab the books that he needs to do his homework. Matt did the same thing and as soon as they got what they needed, they headed out to Jacob’s truck. When they walked up to Jacob’s truck, they couldn’t believe that they are the last ones to arrive. Alex got in the truck and then Matt.

Almost the minute they pulled out of the parking lot, Jacob looked over at Alex. “Alex my friend, I spoke with the journalism teacher about your print shop. He is going to go with you for all his printing needs. That includes the year book, the newspaper and anything else he does. He also promised me that he will help get you all the schools in the district to use your print shop.

That should keep you busy for now. At the same time you and I will go and speak with the other clients that Tech High had and pull them over. I know they went to Tech High because that is the only place they could afford to go. You are keeping the prices the same, so they will go to you without much selling.”

Alex sat there in disbelief on what Jacob is doing for him. Alex expected that once Jacob handed the business over to him and Jacob could just simply wash his hands of it but he's not. He is going out and helping him get business for the print shop!

“I really don't know what to say Jacob. I guess I’d better start by saying thank you. Thank you for everything Jacob. You are really helping me and Matt start up this company. I will not let you down, and we will make this company succeed.”

Jacob didn’t say anything else about the print shop. Alex went into his own little world; he didn’t even notice that the conversation had changed. He didn’t talk to anyone until they drove up to the house. He snapped out of it seeing Jacob jump out of the truck and almost run into his house.
Just as Alex walked in with the others, Jacob started walking down the stairs. They teased Jacob as he passed them on the way to his grandfather. Alex turned to Tom to see if he is going to still give him and Matt a ride. Tom looked back and held up five fingers. Alex took that as Tom telling him that they are going to leave in five minutes.

Alex and Matt went to their house to put away their book bags and get their community service cards. They walked back to the front of Jacob’s house and waited for Tom and David to arrive. When the front door opened and Alex sees Chase coming out with Tom and David, Alex didn’t know what to think.

“I hope it is okay that Chase is going to go with us? Gloria is here talking with Jacob and Al. None of us wants to be here when Jacob tells her that she has to move out of the house she is living in and move into this house. She isn’t going to take it well.”

“No problem, the more the merrier!” Alex got in Tom’s car in the back, joined by Matt and then Chase.

Alex gave Tom directions to the retirement home as they drove off. The drive over didn’t take long; they got to the retirement home under thirty minutes. Tom found a parking spot in the visitors parking. They all got out and waited to get instructions from Alex on what he would like them to do. Alex and Matt started to walk towards the building and didn’t even notice Tom and the others aren’t with them. Alex turned around and waved Tom, David and Chase over to him and Matt.

“I didn’t notice that you guys weren’t with us. I figured you would like to come in and visit with the Colonel. He is a very nice old man. At first he didn’t want anything to do with us, but he got used to us. Now he can’t wait until Sunday.”

“If it is cool with you, the Colonel and this place, we would like to meet the guy. By the way you are talking about him; he seems to be a nice guy once he gets used to new faces.”

Alex and the others walked into the building. To Alex’s surprise, the same cheerful lady greeted them. “Alex and Matt, what a pleasant surprise to see you two here today! We were told that you guys weren’t coming down here anymore to do your community service hours. When I gave Mr. Baird the news, he wasn’t too happy. He stopped coming out of his room as much after that.”

“I am sorry to hear that about the Colonel. We are no longer in the center, but we do have community service hours to do. I hope it is okay that we still come down here and do our community service hours. I know that you are limited on who you let in to do their hours. We just made a promise to the Colonel to visit with him no matter what.”

“It’s perfectly fine Alex. In fact I am happy you want to still come down here after being let out. In the past when someone gets released from that place, they don’t come back. They promise to, but they never do. That is why the residents don’t depend on you guys.”

Alex introduced Tom, David and Tom as he and Matt walked to Mr. Baird’s room. Before they knocked, the chipper lady asked Alex and Matt for their cards so she could fill them out that they came down. Alex grabbed Matt’s and handed them to her before knocking on the door.

Mr. Baird opened the door and smiled when he saw Alex and Matt standing there. “Boy’s it is good to see you! I thought that you had abandoned me! Come in; come on in and make yourself comfortable. Let me get you guys something to drink and eat before we sit down. I want you tell me what is going on in your lives!”

Alex and Matt took their normal seats, David, Tom and Chase took sat in the other seats. None of them sat in the Colonel’s seat. With being told, they knew that seat is Mr. Baird’s. Just like most any older person, they have their Lazy-Boy chair they love to sit in.

“Now Alex and Matt you need to introduce me to these new boys. Are they like you, needing to be here? They don’t look like they have been in trouble, but neither do you two. Looks can be deceiving as they say.”

“No Colonel, these three are really good friends of ours. This is Tom, David, and Chase, Colonel!” Mr. Baird shook their hands as he set down the sodas and junk food. “They live in the house that my mother works at. We have become friends since Matt and I went home to my mom’s house for Christmas.”

“It is good to meet you all. Any friends of Alex’s and Matt’s are welcome. I got worried when I got told that you guys were no longer in that place. I thought that something bad had happened because you guys didn’t come back. What about the others that use to come down with you and Matt? Are they free and okay?”

“Yes Colonel, they are okay. They got out the same time we did. It is a very long story and I’d rather hear your story. Please Colonel, tell us more about being in the military. Matt and I are in ROTC class in our new school. We didn’t plan it that way, it just happened.” Alex pulled up his pant leg and showed Mr. Baird the monitor.

Mr. Baird got up, put on his glasses and looked at the monitor on Alex’s leg. “I heard about these things, I just thought it was made up for the movies. They are real by the looks of it. You are telling me that they know where you are at all the time Alex?”

“Yes sir they do. I really don’t think there is a person sitting in front of a computer keeping a log of what we are doing. They put it on us where we don’t take off on them. There is no way I am going to do that, because of Matt here and my family.”

“I don’t believe that our government should have that much power over us. Even if we do something wrong, we should have some privacy. You two are better men than I, because it they told me to wear one of those things. I would tell them to put it up their ass. There is no way I am going to hand over my freedom like that!”

“I hear you Colonel, but we really didn’t have any choice. Either….”

“You mean you have one on you too Matt? Let me see yours!” The Colonel got up and looked at Matt’s monitor as he pulled up his pant leg.

“We had only two choices Colonel. Either we took the monitor or go back in to the facility. If we would have chosen the facility, more than likely we would be dead right now. Plus my friend, Jacob, went out on the limb for us. His grandfather works for the Governor he got this for us.”

Mr. Baird sat back into his seat. He looked at Alex, over to Matt and back to Alex. “I am glad that you guys aren’t dead. Believe it or not, I got used to you guys coming down every Sunday. The minute you left, I started to count down to your next visit. Being in this place is very lonely. Now tell me more about what you guys have been up to.”

Alex tried to get the Colonel to tell them more about his life, but the Colonel wanted to hear about them. Finally Alex gave up and told the Colonel about him being in the gang, what he did in detail and what had happened to cause them to leave the facility.

“I know you told me about being in the gang, but never in detail like you just told me. I am glad you saw the error of your ways. Now you are turning your life around. It is better to turn your life around when you are still young. If you had waited until you ended up in prison, there would not have been a chance for you to do it.

Now I would like to meet this Jacob. He sounds like a very smart and nice guy. Not only has he forgiven you for what you did, he has invited you into his house to live and hired your mother. No one I know would have ever done that for you. He is one young man I would be honored to meet.”

“I will talk with Jacob and see if he will come down with us the next time we come. I know you will like him. He is really nice. Just ask these guys. They have known him a lot longer than I have.”

Chase spoke up first and told the Colonel how he met Jacob. Then Tom and David told the Colonel their story. At the same time they told the Colonel a little bit about themselves. The Colonel just sat there listening to the boys, hanging on every word. Chase, David and Tom could see in the Colonel’s eyes that he is really enjoying himself.

“I know you were very excited about starting your printing company in the facility. Now that you are out Alex, are you going to be able to still run the printing company that you were setting up in the facility?”

“Colonel you aren’t going to believe the answer to that question. The facility got a new director because the other director got promoted liked I said. Anyways, he is hard core, believing on locking the criminal away and throwing away the key. He called Jacob up and told him that he is not going to start any kind of business for the inmates to work in. In other words come and pick up YOUR machines!

Like I said, Jacob is very cool guy. He and his grandfather bought an office building downtown for their main offices. He is giving me the basement of this building to use as a location to start the print shop. Tomorrow the machines should be picked up from the facility and delivered to the new office.”

“That is something! I can’t even think of the words to say. So Jacob is going to hire you guys to work in the print shop. That guy does really trust you. A lot of people and companies would not do what he is doing.”

“No I agree with you, but you got a little of it wrong. Jacob isn’t hiring us to work in the print shop. He is giving us part ownership of the print shop. He will own fifty one percent of the print shop and me and Matt here own the other forty nine percent. We only need to find someone that knows about printing to run the thing and show us.”

Mr. Baird’s eyes brighten up even more when Alex said that they need top find someone to run the business. Although he is in a retirement home, it doesn’t mean that he can’t go out every day. The only reason he agreed to living here is because he needs help here and there when it comes down to cooking.

“You remember when I told you I worked in a print shop in the military. I kind of down played what I did exactly. I did more than just work in the print shop. I help run the day to day operations of the print shop. You know Alex and Matt….”

“Colonel there is no need to sell yourself to us. Matt and I discussed who we wanted to run the day to day operations of the print shop. The only one that we can think of is you. We thought that we would have to talk you into doing it for us. Don’t get me wrong, we will pay you a good salary. We will be there to learn the business from you. All you need to say is yes and the job is yours.”

The Colonel smiled and took the job. They discussed his wages, but the Colonel didn’t need the money. He demanded a low salary for himself. Alex and Matt tried to fight him on it, but he put his foot down. So Alex and Matt folded and agreed on the low salary that he wanted.

For the next hour they discussed what business they have right now and what to look forward to in the future. Mr. Baird made clear that he is going to be at the office tomorrow when they deliver the machines. He wants to make sure that they are set up right. Then he will look into hiring and try to keep that cost down.

One thing they all agreed on is not to let others on probation do their community service hours there unless they are screened by Mr. Baird. They want to give them a second chance just like Alex and Matt got, but at the same time, this is a business and it needs to be run like one. They can’t worry about walking in one day and finding the place empty.

This is the first time Alex and Matt stayed talking with Mr. Baird for more than a couple of hours. They finally said their goodbyes a little after nine. On their way home, Alex treated everyone dinner at McDonalds. He barely had enough money to pay for everyone, but he felt that is the least he could do.

As soon as they got home, Alex and Matt headed over to their house. They needed to get their homework done, shower and get to bed at a distant hour. They don’t want to over sleep again and have to walk to school the next day.

True top his word, Mr. Baird arrived at the office at nine sharp. He walked around the building to get familiar with it before going inside. He wanted to make sure that the machines can fit through the doors without damaging the building or the machines. He found two huge double doors in the rear of the building that are perfect.

Just as he walked around to the front, he saw Al opening the door. Neither of the two knows each other, but Mr. Baird recognized him by the description that Alex had given him the night before. So he walked up and tapped Al on the shoulder.

“Hello sir, my name is Ron Baird. I am here to help run the print shop.” Ron extended his hand for Al to shake.

Al turned around and shook Ron’s hand. “Hello Mr. Baird, my name is Alfred Serna. Forgive me, but I didn’t know that you were coming down. May I ask who hired you and when did they hire you?”

“That is typical of Alex and Matt. I am so sorry about that Mr. Serna. Alex and Matt came down to my retirement complex last night to do their community service hours. They have been doing their hours at my retirement complex ever since they were locked up in that detention facility. Anyways, they told me about their printing company and offered me the job. I do have experience on running a printing company.”

“I am not saying you don’t have the experience, I just didn’t know that Alex and Matt had hired you. The company is basically theirs to run, but I hoped they would fill me in when they made these kinds of decisions. You said you know them from your retirement complex. May I ask you what you thought of the boys when you first met them?”

Al unlocked the front door and let Ron in. He closed the door and locked it before showing Ron the basement. They didn’t talk until they got to the basement. Ron wants to say nice things about Alex and Matt, but at the same time he doesn’t want to lie to Al. So he gathered his thoughts in order to say what he needs to say in a nice way.

“Al I am not going to lie to you about the boys. I am a grumpy old man, mad at the world. I don’t feel that I should be at that retirement home, but I did it because I needed help on cooking and things like that. Other than that, I can get along just fine.

The day before the boys came down for their first visit, the young lady in charge of putting those kinds of things together explained to us about them. I told her straight out that I didn’t want anybody like them around me or my stuff. Still she ignored me and the next day I had a knock on my door.

I was ugly to them and sent them off. They wouldn’t give up. They just walked in and sat down. Once they told me what they did, I could see in their eyes if they could take it back they would. We don’t get that chance, so we have to live with the mistakes we make. I gave in and let them into my life.

I told them about me and where I came from. I spoke about growing up during the great depression and me going into the military. Just as I got there, they didn’t come back. I got really worried. I never thought I would get so worried about kids like Alex and Matt, but I did. They grew on me and I wanted to see them and make sure they were okay. When they knocked on my door last night, I tell you I was over very happy to see their faces.”

As Ron told Al how he met them and how he felt about them, he looked over the basement. He agreed with Jacob and Al that this is a perfect place for the print shop. The roof is made out of concrete so the offices above will not hear the noise that the machines make. Has plenty of ventilation so it will not get hot at all in the room. Plus the walls are made out of concrete. That means the noise will not be heard outside either.

“Ron,I didn’t know that Alex and Matt continued going down to do their community service hours over there. I am glad they are. That way their probation officer doesn’t give them a hard time about it.

You know when my grandson told me that he went to court and helped Alex get out of going to prison, I was angry. I couldn’t believe Jacob would do that. But I remembered, it is Jacob we are talking about.

Then he goes and hires his mother to work in our house. I was about to stroke out when he did that. But again, it is Jacob. I met Franseca and I loved her the minute I met her and her two younger boys. By the way they both look just like Alex.

I thought it was over, but again I was wrong. Not only did I find out that my grandson is talking with Alex but he is helping him. Then they come home for Christmas, I wanted to throw them out in the street! Jacob asked me to give them a chance. The first night they were in my grandson’s kitchen, I told them I am going to give them a chance because Jacob asked me to. I didn’t regret that decision.

Alex and Matt have proven to me that they are changing their lives. They don’t want to be the kids they were. They want to be kids that they know they can be. In return they will be very good adults. I am glad that Jacob gave them a chance. Now we got back two good kids that will amaze us on what they do in their lives.”

Al and Ron sat in the basement talking with each other. Al took to Ron really quickly. Same thing with Ron; he took to Al. Before the machines arrived, Al left Ron in the basement to receive them. He told Ron if he needed anything to come up and ask.

As Alex and Matt started their way down to the cafeteria, Chase caught up with them. “You guys, we are going out for lunch again. Jacob just old me and asked me to catch you guys before you go down to the cafeteria. Are you guys up to another lunch at Taco Bell? I think we need to get used to eating at Taco Bell for now.”

Alex and Matt at the same time said yes. They headed out to the parking lot talking about how it looked between Jacob and Dewayne yesterday. Chase agreed with Alex that Jacob and Dewayne really do look like they are in love with each other.

“Chase you can tell me something that is none of my business, but I been wondering about? I never knew Joey like I know Jacob and you guys. When they were together, did they love each other like Jacob loves Dewayne?”

“To tell you the truth, I think Jacob actually is falling more for Dewayne than he did with Joey. Those two had a very difficult relationship to put it mildly. When Jacob met Joey, he wasn’t out. Joey was out, but only to his family. Those two had to fight those demons on top of dating each other!

Then Jacob got sick, Joey moved, Jacob got sick again and between all that, they had broken up and got back together. We never thought that they would make it. Then they bought the house together and it looked as if they were going to beat the odds. But something happened. Everyone was keeping their eyes on Gloria when we should have been keeping our eye on Beth, Joey’s mom. So what Gloria tried to do for almost two years, in a couple of weeks Beth got it done. She broke Jacob and Joey apart.

The short answer is, no they weren’t in love like Jacob and Dewayne are now. They had too much going on that Jacob doesn’t have to worry about now. I am really rooting for those two to make it. They are so strong together. Neither of them needs the other to prop them up because one of them is weaker than the other. They both are strong and enhance the other.”

“Wow, I never knew all this before. Don’t you think that once Joey comes to his senses, he will come back? If that happens, what will Jacob do? Poor Dewayne is going to be caught in the middle of this and I am afraid he might end up losing the most.”

Chase stopped and turned to look at Alex in the face. “Alex let me tell you this and you two can’t say a word to anyone else.” Alex and Matt nodded their heads in agreement. “Before Andy left, he pulled me to the side. He asked me to keep an eye on Jacob. Andy told me that Jacob met Joey at a gas station the week before we returned to school. Now Andy doesn’t know what happened there, but what he got from it is that Jacob finally told Joey off. Joey is not going to come back and if he does, Jacob will not choose him over Dewayne. He is finally moving on from Joey.”

Chase turned around and ran to the truck followed by Alex and Matt. Just as they got there, Jacob and the others walked up. They all jumped in and headed over to see Dewayne at work. They ordered, but this time the manager let Dewayne out for his break. He and Jacob ate quickly and then left.

“Hey I bet you if we go into the bathroom, we will find those two going at it with each other. I can see it in their eyes that they didn’t want the food they ordered. The only thing they want to eat is the hotdogs between each other’s legs!”

Everyone cracked up in laughter at Alex. They never heard Alex joke around like that. At one point, Toni almost choked on his nacho supreme because he is laughing so hard. David helped Toni get the nachos down so he could breathe.

Tom looked up at the clock on the wall and got up. Everyone else followed Tom. They threw their garbage away and started to head to the truck when Jacob and Dewayne walked out of the bathroom. Everyone looked at them and just broke out laughing again. They walked out of the store stumbling as they laughed all the way to the truck.

Jacob walked out and asked what they are laughing at. No one answered him; they just got in the truck. Jacob gave up asking halfway to the school. That is when Alex remembered about Mr. Baird.

“Jacob I think I screwed up? I forgot to tell you and your grandfather about a hire we did yesterday. I really hope that Mr. Serna isn’t going to be mad or turn away the person we hired” Alex leaned forward to talk into Jacob’s ears.

“Listen Alex, the printing company is yours. You can hire anyone you would like to hire. You don’t need to clear it with me or my grandfather. By the way how many times do I have to tell you to call my grandfather Al, not Mr. Serna?”

“Sorry, I will stop doing that. We hired an older gentleman that we got to know while we were locked up. He told us that he is going to go to the office at nine in the morning. I am sure that Al is going to freak out when he meets Mr. Baird.”

“No my grandfather isn’t going to do that. He will talk with Mr. Baird and then he will trust his gut instincts if Mr. Baird is telling the truth. He will ask random questions to make sure that he does know you two. I plan to head down to the office after school. Why don’t you guys tag along with us?”

Alex and Matt agreed to meet Jacob at his truck right after school. Chase asked if he could tag along and so did Tom and David. Jacob didn’t care nor did Alex or Matt. In fact they are getting used to having Chase around. They are becoming very good friends.

Several times during fourth period, Alex kept dozing off. If it wasn’t for Matt, Alex would have been caught sleeping. On top on not getting enough sleep last night, Alex ate a lot during lunch. Now he is full and tired.

So when the bell rang for fifth period, Alex didn’t hate going to ROTC. He knew they would be up and doing something, not sitting in their desks. As soon as roll call got taken, he was right. They got called to attention and they went out to learn to drill. The entire period they drilled up and down the parking lot. Alex marched off the food and the sleepiness. He knows there is no way he is going to fall asleep in sixth period now.

Like the day before at the last bell, Alex and Matt went to their lockers and got their books before heading to parking lot to join the others. All the way downtown, Alex told Jacob about Mr. Baird. Jacob and the others listened and didn’t interrupt that much. The only time that Tom, David or Chase did interrupt is to agree with Alex about Mr. Baird.

Not knowing where to park, Jacob pulled into a parking garage and got a ticket. After parking, they all headed for the office building that Al bought. They stood outside and just looked at it. They all thought how cool it is that they know someone that owns a building downtown. Jacob played it off by saying he doesn’t own it, his grandfather does.

Jacob remembered that his grandfather told him that their offices are on the top floor. Toni and Jacob headed up to the elevator as the others went to look for the basement. Getting lost a couple of times, they decided to take the elevator to the basement, instead of looking for the stair case.

When the elevator door opened, they walked into a hallway. Alex looked to his left and then to his right. He saw two double doors on both sides of the office. He decided to walk to the double doors to the right. Everyone else followed him down the hall.

Alex couldn’t believe when he got to the doors, they are locked. He knocked several times on the door for someone to answer him. He knows that someone is in there because the lights are on. Matt pulled Alex away from the door and they went running down the long hallway to the other double doors.

Matt pulled on the doors and they opened. They all walked in to find the machines already set up. Alex couldn’t believe that Jacob got the machines down here so quickly and set up. They started to walk around to look at the machines when they heard Mr. Baird yelling out at them.

“Who is in here, show yourself. If you don’t show yourself in the next minute, I am going to call the police. They are just down the street and will get here really fast.”

Alex followed Mr. Baird’s voice and found him standing at an entrance to a room. He walked towards Mr. Baird, when Mr. Baird saw Alex, he relaxed. The others stepped out and walked ran up to catch up with Alex.

“You really do work fast Colonel. I didn’t suspect to see the machines set up yet. Are they ready to go?” Alex shook Ron’s hand as he reached him.

“We test ran each and everyone of these machines once they got set up. They are all in working order and ready to go. All we need is a crew and we are off to the races.” Ron walked back into the office he selected for himself.

“Nice office Colonel, I hope all the other offices are this big.” Alex walked in and looked around. “I am sorry about not telling Al about hiring you. I hope he didn’t give you a hard time when he saw you this morning.”

“Not at all Alex, he didn’t give me a hard time at all. He and I walked down here together and talked a while He is a very nice guy. We had lunch together. He talks highly of you and Matt. That I was not surprised hearing. And about the offices, the two I think you two are going to like are bigger than this one.”

Mr. Baird got up and showed Alex and Matt the offices he is talking about. Alex and Matt agreed with Ron, but tried to talk him into taking one of the offices, but again. Mr. Baird said no and Alex and Matt agreed in the end.

Ron walked Alex and Matt through the print shop. He explained to them what each machine can do. As they started printing, he promised Alex and Matt that he will show them how to operate each machine.

“Mr. Baird can we come down and work for you? We don’t want money; we just want to do something more than just staying at home and doing school.”

Ron looked at Chase and over to Tom and David. All of them are nodding their heads up and down in agreement. “Boys I would like it if you guys come down and work here in the print shop. I will pay you for the work you do though. No one works for free; no one. Just let me know what days you want to work and I will put you on the schedule for a couple hours for those days. It will be good to have workers that are part of Alex’s and Matt’s family. When a company does that, it runs a lot smoother.”

Chase, Tom and David went to talk with Ron. Alex and Matt went to their offices to look at them. They kept running back and forth from one office to the other. They still can’t believe that this is all theirs! At least half of it right now and eventually the entire thing!

Alex grabbed a hold of Matt as he walked out of his office. “You know when we aren’t in such of a rush on getting out of here. We are going to have to have sex in each of our offices. We got to make them our own, like we will do when we buy our own house. We will have sex in each room when we move in.”

Alex fell against Matt, pushing him against the wall. They started to kiss each other. At the same time, they couldn’t keep their hands off of each other’s body. They actually grabbed each others package at the same time noticing how hard the other is.

“We haven’t had sex for a couple of days. When we get home I want to have you in our bed. I will not take ‘no’ for an answer Alex, I want you. By the feel of your hard dick, you want me as well. So let’s make each other happy and give each other what we want.”

Alex pressed his lips against Matt’s. They didn’t even come up for breathe. They took turns on letting each other put their tongues in each other’s mouths. When they stopped kissing wasn’t because they wanted to come up for air. They got interrupted by Chase and the others. Once they saw what Alex and Matt are doing, they walked out to the hall to wait for them to finish up.

They kissed one last time before walking out to join the others. They met Jacob on the first floor and headed out. Jacob met Mr. Baird, but didn’t talk with him much. They said their goodbyes and headed to the truck.

On the way home, Alex and Matt kept kissing. No one minded them making out. In fact they paid no attention to them. They kept talking with each other as if Alex and Matt are listening. Even a couple of times, Alex or Matt got asked a question and they answered it, and went back kissing each other.

They broke their kiss to momentarily join the conversation because they kept hearing their names. Alex grabbed a hold of Matt’s hand and held it tight. If he can’t feel Matt on his lips, he will hold his hand instead.

Alex started to think to himself that everything is falling into place. He couldn’t believe the things he was worrying about just a couple of days ago are no longer weighing on his mind. The problems got resolved with not much work. Alex realized as he though of the last couple of days. Trust completely in Jacob and Al. They will find a way out of the problems that will benefit everyone.

TO BE CONTINUED……………..

WRITER’S CORNER:

{Welcome back everyone and thank you for reading another chapter of “Beneath the Mask”. I don’t know if you noticed in the last several chapters, that the time line has slowed down. I am no longer going through weeks in a chapter anymore.

It works out well for several reasons. This story is really tied into “Jacob Finding His Way”. The timelines are running together. There are certain things are happening in the Jacob story that aren’t fully explained. It takes this story to fill in the blanks. If this story gets ahead of the timeline of Jacob, it will be confusing and give away plots to the next chapter of Jacob. The other reason for slowing down the timeline is because I don’t I have to skip postings of this story like I have several times in the past.

This chapter covered several days in Alex’s life. We saw the reappearing of Mr. Baird. I know some of you have been asking me about him. He is back and at full strength. As you can see, he is going to be in this story a lot more than he has been.

It was smart of Alex and Matt to ask Mr. Baird to run the day to day operations of the print shop. They are still I school and simply don’t have the time. Mr. Baird doesn’t like being in the retirement home all day so this works out for him as well. He can go to work every day and talk with other people. It looks like he and Al are going to become good friends.

Another reason I think it was a good idea that Alex stepped away from the day to day operations of the business is he just got out. He is adjusting to a new life and trying to get away from his past so he doesn’t make the same mistakes again. He needs to follow all the rules that were set out for him by his probation officer and the court. If he takes too much on to quickly, he might slip and make a mistake.

We got Carlos telling Alex that the gang is bothering his mother. We all know from the last chapter that Carlos parents are going to move to the Westside where he could live with them. I do really hope that they get out of that side of town without giving away Carlos’s and Alex’s ware bouts. Do you guys think that Carlos’s family will succeed in moving without being followed?

It really looks like Chase and the others are taking Alex and Matt in as friends. They went with them to the retirement home to do their community service. They invite Alex and Matt with them when they go out to eat. They talk with those two as if nothing has happened. Since they live in the same house, these characters are going to appear in both Alex’s and Jacob’s stories.

Ismail, poor Ismail, the kid doesn’t deserve what he friend’s parents are doing. I really don’t need to say much after what Alex said to Ismail. It sucks I know, but it happens. Parents tell their kids not to hang out with others for all different reasons. But to tell their kids not to hang out with another because their brother is gay! That is a no, no and what are they teaching their kids but hate and bigotry.

Now there are several plots I opened up in this chapter with Jacob and Dewayne. Plus the other characters in the story. Those plots will be written in full in chapter fifty one of “Jacob Finding His Way”, for example when Jacob and Dewayne went into the bathroom the second time they went to Taco Bell for lunch. I know you guys want a ring side seat for that and you will get it in chapter fifty one.

We are re-kicking off new old characters, but in different locations. Characters are slowly coming back, but the characters that I have brought back like Mr. Baird, Carlos, Steve and Robert are the only characters I am bringing back from the center. Here and there those will be mentioned, but not in a big part.

I still believe this story received a makeover. It is going to be very exciting in the chapters to come, trust me on that. Right now, so many of the old plots in this story I keeping, has your head spinning on what is going on. As the chapters finish, you can’t wait for the next posting of the new chapter. I really thank you guys for coming back week after week, and reading my postings. I hope I will never let you guys downas far as drama in the storylines is concerned.

I do not want to say too much more and spoil the future chapters to come, so I won’t. I warn you though! Don’t skip a chapter, or you will be lost. There is a so much to answer in the chapters to come. Keep reading the future chapters, and enjoy! Please email me and let me know how I am doing at jacobmillertex@aol.com, Thanks!}

EDITOR’S CORNER:

It is great seeing Alex and Matt’s lives moving in a good direction. I truly believe that they will make it thorough successfully. I fully expect there to be some tense and dramatic moments with the gang searching for Alex and Carlos.

I have to chuckle; I don’t know who’s benefitting more with the new print shop; Alex and Matt or Jacob! Jacob’s butt was in a sling with everyone wanting their printing done at reasonable costs, so he’d have serious problem had a solution not been engineered. Jacob’s problem is now fixed and he’ll get his ‘hero’ status back. Of course, the benefits to Alex and Matt don’t even need to be mentioned!

The Colonel is going to be a real player in the story in times to come. He’s a no-nonsense sort and won’t suffer any foolishness kindly. He’s going to be a sentry at the gates, so to speak. He’s going to fiercely protect his young charges.

Chase is still a mystery to me. I don’t know what makes that guy tick. There’s something underneath that I sense, but can’t get a finger on. Something tells me he has a ‘curious’ streak running he might have to investigate.

Ismail is going to be OK in the long haul. He’s a kid that is grappling with the adult parts of life beginning to hit him. He’s got a good head. He knows when to get help when he’s confused. Alex is hanging in there and giving him good advice. He pulled him back from using violence to resolve issues. As long as he keeps going the direction he is, he’ll weather the storms of adolescence and come out just fine.

There’s not a lot I can add after Jacob’s summary and with the fact that there’s no high drama going at this point, so I’ll close out before I start rambling!

Until next time,
“Daddy” Rick